Early Ice-Out Means Early Swimmer’s Itch Outbreaks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The early ice-out on Minnesota's lakes this spring has led to earlier-than-usual outbreaks of swimmer's itch in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Swimmer's itch is caused by microscopic parasites that lurk in lake water. You can't feel them right when you step out of the water, but they soon cause an itchy skin rash.

Some of the affected swimming waters include the French Regional Park beach on Medicine Lake in Plymouth, Coon Lake in Anoka County and Lakeside Beach in Forest Lake.

Not everyone who comes in contact with the parasite reacts to it. But for those who do, the symptoms can be annoying. Red welts are a telltale sign. So is the can't-stop-scratching feeling that can last for days or even weeks.